New Game! Episode 4: The First... Paycheck...

Haibara Natsuki basks in his

Despite achieving top marks in his midterms, Natsuki finds himself increasingly isolated. He distances himself from Nanase Uta, believing it will ease the tension with Nagura Tatsuya. Walking home alone under a darkening sky, the weight of his choices presses down, mirroring the gloomy weather. He questions if his efforts to escape his past have only led him back to the same lonely place, leaving him steeped in regret.

Just as Natsuki succumbs to despair, Hoshimiya Miori appears, a vibrant splash of pink against the grey. She shields him from the rain, playfully chiding his gloom, and refuses to be pushed away. Miori barges into his home, settling comfortably on his bed, then playfully discovers a manga magazine, teasing him about his hidden 'otaku' interests. Her forceful, yet warm, intrusion begins to chip away at Natsuki's carefully guarded isolation.

Miori reveals her own impressive midterm results, then challenges Natsuki to explain his sudden academic prowess. She presses him, reminding him that she knows the 'real' him, not the 'perfect human' he tries to portray. Flashbacks to Natsuki's lonely, glasses-wearing middle school self underscore his deep-seated insecurities. Overwhelmed by her unwavering support and insistence on honesty, Natsuki finally breaks down, releasing the pressure he has held for so long.

Empowered by Miori's words, Natsuki approaches Tatsuya at school, determined to confront the growing chasm between them. On the rooftop, Tatsuya immediately lashes out, his bitterness spilling forth in a torrent of jealousy. He confesses his long-standing feelings for Uta and his resentment of Natsuki's seemingly effortless perfection. Tatsuya's raw emotional outburst reveals a deep-seated inferiority complex, a pain Natsuki had completely misunderstood.

Natsuki, initially silent, suddenly snaps, calling Tatsuya a 'stupid bastard' for his self-pity. He then launches into his own impassioned confession, revealing that his 'perfect human' persona is a painstakingly crafted illusion. Every achievement, every social grace, is the product of intense, secret effort, driven by a fear of returning to his lonely past. He accuses Tatsuya, with his natural charm and popularity, of being the truly privileged one.

With trembling hands, Natsuki pulls out his smartphone, recalling Miori's advice to reveal his truth. He shows Tatsuya a photo of his middle school self: disheveled, bespectacled, and utterly uncool. Tatsuya stares in disbelief as Natsuki declares himself a 'hardcore otaku' who reinvented his entire image for high school. He scrolls through pictures of his anime-filled room, exposing the full extent of his hidden life, driven by a desperate fear of loneliness.

Natsuki confesses he was the one who envied Tatsuya's natural charm, urging him to fight fairly for Uta's affection. A moment of silence breaks the tension, then Tatsuya bursts into genuine laughter, finding humor in Natsuki's dramatic reinvention. He admits his jealousy was foolish, realizing the immense effort Natsuki invested in his facade. The two friends finally smile at each other, their bond not just repaired, but deepened by this shared vulnerability and understanding.

Just as the storm clouds part and a rainbow arcs across the sky, signifying a new beginning, the rooftop door bursts open. Uta, Kinoshita Yuino, Motomiya Ryuri, and Hasegawa Rei tumble in, revealed to have overheard Natsuki's entire dramatic confession. Natsuki and Tatsuya are mortified, their private moment of reconciliation now exposed to the entire group. The friends look up with a mix of shock and amusement, the secret out in spectacular fashion.

Uta, flustered but composed, gently rejects Tatsuya's advances, stating she sees him only as a dear friend. Tatsuya accepts her honesty with unexpected grace, finally finding closure. The rest of the group quickly assures Natsuki that his past as an otaku doesn't change their feelings for him. Yuino playfully coins the nickname 'High School Debut-kun,' and laughter rings out, solidifying their acceptance of his true self. They leave the rooftop together, basking in the newfound honesty and warmth of their revived friendship.

In a quiet post-credits scene, Natsuki thanks Miori at their favorite cafe, acknowledging her crucial role in his confrontation with Tatsuya. A flashback reveals a tender, unseen moment from the previous night, where Miori held Natsuki's hands and confessed that she loved both his 'perfect' facade and the 'original' self she grew up with. Back in the present, Miori affirms her role as his 'partner' in his youth plan, a knowing smile playing on her lips, solidifying their deep, unspoken connection.

Late that night, alone in her room, Uta reflects on the day's events. She recalls Tatsuya's earlier words about Natsuki's heart belonging to someone who truly understands him. Staring out her window at the moon, a quiet sadness washes over her. The realization dawns that she may have lost any chance at a romantic future with Natsuki, leaving a poignant, bittersweet end to the episode.